Coot
@coot.bsky.social
Cryptic crossword setter in the Independent, on MyCrossword and in the NTSPP at Big Dave’s blog
Reposted by Coot
I wrote a blog post for @mycrossword.co.uk about how setters can identify and calibrate how difficult (or otherwise) their own puzzles are:
www.mycrossword.co.uk/blog/the-dif...
If you’re a setter, an aspiring setter or just curious as to how these things work - give it 4 minutes of your time! 😊
www.mycrossword.co.uk/blog/the-dif...
If you’re a setter, an aspiring setter or just curious as to how these things work - give it 4 minutes of your time! 😊
The Difficulty Dial · MyCrossword
As a cryptic crossword setter you don't always know exactly how difficult or otherwise your own puzzle is - they're all easy when you know the answers! And e...
www.mycrossword.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 5:11 PM
I wrote a blog post for @mycrossword.co.uk about how setters can identify and calibrate how difficult (or otherwise) their own puzzles are:
www.mycrossword.co.uk/blog/the-dif...
If you’re a setter, an aspiring setter or just curious as to how these things work - give it 4 minutes of your time! 😊
www.mycrossword.co.uk/blog/the-dif...
If you’re a setter, an aspiring setter or just curious as to how these things work - give it 4 minutes of your time! 😊
Reposted by Coot
Sample clue from my cryptic crossword in today’s FT:
Location of industrial strikes within Catalan village (5)
You can solve this puzzle FOR FREE:
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it out at ft.com/crossword
Location of industrial strikes within Catalan village (5)
You can solve this puzzle FOR FREE:
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it out at ft.com/crossword
November 7, 2025 at 7:57 AM
Sample clue from my cryptic crossword in today’s FT:
Location of industrial strikes within Catalan village (5)
You can solve this puzzle FOR FREE:
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it out at ft.com/crossword
Location of industrial strikes within Catalan village (5)
You can solve this puzzle FOR FREE:
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it out at ft.com/crossword
Reposted by Coot
It’s me in the Independent today.
Sample clue:
Cantankerous ill youngster straddles potty (5)
You can solve this cryptic crossword FOR FREE at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Sample clue:
Cantankerous ill youngster straddles potty (5)
You can solve this cryptic crossword FOR FREE at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 7:03 AM
It’s me in the Independent today.
Sample clue:
Cantankerous ill youngster straddles potty (5)
You can solve this cryptic crossword FOR FREE at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Sample clue:
Cantankerous ill youngster straddles potty (5)
You can solve this cryptic crossword FOR FREE at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Highly recommended. Congratulations @petermoorefuller.bsky.social!
So excited to be making my debut as Glyph in @theguardian.com Genius slot today.
Cheers to @alanconnor.bsky.social for the spot, and thank you so much to the great folks that tested this puzzle.
Hope you enjoy solving it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/2...
Cheers to @alanconnor.bsky.social for the spot, and thank you so much to the great folks that tested this puzzle.
Hope you enjoy solving it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/2...
Genius crossword No 269
Deadline for entries is 23:59 GMT on Saturday 29 November. You need to register once and then sign in to theguardian.com to enter our online competition for a £100 monthly prize
www.theguardian.com
November 3, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Highly recommended. Congratulations @petermoorefuller.bsky.social!
Reposted by Coot
I’m back in the Indy today!
Featuring:
🔴 Red, gold and brown a bit too much (6)
🎖️ Call it a day having received medal and diamonds (2,2,3)
🎵 Show Me Love, Spinning Around and Come What May? (7)
Play for free here:
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Featuring:
🔴 Red, gold and brown a bit too much (6)
🎖️ Call it a day having received medal and diamonds (2,2,3)
🎵 Show Me Love, Spinning Around and Come What May? (7)
Play for free here:
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
November 1, 2025 at 9:06 AM
I’m back in the Indy today!
Featuring:
🔴 Red, gold and brown a bit too much (6)
🎖️ Call it a day having received medal and diamonds (2,2,3)
🎵 Show Me Love, Spinning Around and Come What May? (7)
Play for free here:
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Featuring:
🔴 Red, gold and brown a bit too much (6)
🎖️ Call it a day having received medal and diamonds (2,2,3)
🎵 Show Me Love, Spinning Around and Come What May? (7)
Play for free here:
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Rather chuffed to report that my friendly, feathered and equally foolish alter ego Loon makes his debut in The Times Quick Cryptic series today.
#cryptic #crossword
#cryptic #crossword
October 27, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Rather chuffed to report that my friendly, feathered and equally foolish alter ego Loon makes his debut in The Times Quick Cryptic series today.
#cryptic #crossword
#cryptic #crossword
Reposted by Coot
Now a load of you have had a chance to get your hands on Issue One, please do share your feedback!
You can contact us via our Contact page here: unchcrosswords.com#contact
Any suggestions, comments on particular puzzles/clues, questions etc etc all very much welcomed.
You can contact us via our Contact page here: unchcrosswords.com#contact
Any suggestions, comments on particular puzzles/clues, questions etc etc all very much welcomed.
Unch Crossword Magazine
Unch, the clued-up crossword magazine
unchcrosswords.com
October 18, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Now a load of you have had a chance to get your hands on Issue One, please do share your feedback!
You can contact us via our Contact page here: unchcrosswords.com#contact
Any suggestions, comments on particular puzzles/clues, questions etc etc all very much welcomed.
You can contact us via our Contact page here: unchcrosswords.com#contact
Any suggestions, comments on particular puzzles/clues, questions etc etc all very much welcomed.
Finally it landed on the doormat. Looks great - well done @unchcrosswords.com! Goes well with the tablecloth too!
October 18, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Finally it landed on the doormat. Looks great - well done @unchcrosswords.com! Goes well with the tablecloth too!
Reposted by Coot
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the FT.
Sample clue:
Virtuous man lifted toilet seat (5)
You can solve this puzzle FOR FREE
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it off at ft.com/crossword
Sample clue:
Virtuous man lifted toilet seat (5)
You can solve this puzzle FOR FREE
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it off at ft.com/crossword
October 17, 2025 at 7:04 AM
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the FT.
Sample clue:
Virtuous man lifted toilet seat (5)
You can solve this puzzle FOR FREE
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it off at ft.com/crossword
Sample clue:
Virtuous man lifted toilet seat (5)
You can solve this puzzle FOR FREE
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it off at ft.com/crossword
Reposted by Coot
Today’s cryptic crossword in the Independent is awful, but hopefully you’ll like it.
Sample clue:
In high spirits, Gary Lineker finally comes out (3)
Solve it FOR FREE at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Sample clue:
In high spirits, Gary Lineker finally comes out (3)
Solve it FOR FREE at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
October 2, 2025 at 6:04 AM
Today’s cryptic crossword in the Independent is awful, but hopefully you’ll like it.
Sample clue:
In high spirits, Gary Lineker finally comes out (3)
Solve it FOR FREE at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Sample clue:
In high spirits, Gary Lineker finally comes out (3)
Solve it FOR FREE at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
It seems that I have quite a large family in northern Italy
September 29, 2025 at 4:18 PM
It seems that I have quite a large family in northern Italy
Reposted by Coot
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the FT.
Sample clue:
Turn, turn … I’m turning left twice (8)
You can solve it FOR FREE
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it at ft.com/crossword
Sample clue:
Turn, turn … I’m turning left twice (8)
You can solve it FOR FREE
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it at ft.com/crossword
FT
The latest UK and international business, finance, economic and political news, comment and analysis from the Financial Times optimised for your device on app.ft.com.
ft.com
September 26, 2025 at 6:02 AM
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the FT.
Sample clue:
Turn, turn … I’m turning left twice (8)
You can solve it FOR FREE
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it at ft.com/crossword
Sample clue:
Turn, turn … I’m turning left twice (8)
You can solve it FOR FREE
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it at ft.com/crossword
Subtly downgrade a band:
Half man, half wafer
Half man, half wafer
Subtly downgrade a band:
The eccentic continent of Galahad Tan
maybe not so subtle either?
The eccentic continent of Galahad Tan
maybe not so subtle either?
Subtly downgrade a band:
Primal Whisper
- still not subtle enough, Steve.
Primal Whisper
- still not subtle enough, Steve.
September 25, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Subtly downgrade a band:
Half man, half wafer
Half man, half wafer
Reposted by Coot
I'm back in the Indy today, with clues like:
Mouthy art student is trying, to an extent (9)
Solve for free here - I hope you enjoy it!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Mouthy art student is trying, to an extent (9)
Solve for free here - I hope you enjoy it!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
September 25, 2025 at 6:46 AM
I'm back in the Indy today, with clues like:
Mouthy art student is trying, to an extent (9)
Solve for free here - I hope you enjoy it!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Mouthy art student is trying, to an extent (9)
Solve for free here - I hope you enjoy it!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
It’s my puzzle in the Independent today. (Wot, no Phi? He’s back tomorrow). Clues include:
Wet and cold, perhaps, one covers up at home (6)
Strong birds? Turkeys and geese to name two (5)
Security protecting Harris finally leaves (5)
#cryptic #crossword
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Wet and cold, perhaps, one covers up at home (6)
Strong birds? Turkeys and geese to name two (5)
Security protecting Harris finally leaves (5)
#cryptic #crossword
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
September 19, 2025 at 6:55 AM
It’s my puzzle in the Independent today. (Wot, no Phi? He’s back tomorrow). Clues include:
Wet and cold, perhaps, one covers up at home (6)
Strong birds? Turkeys and geese to name two (5)
Security protecting Harris finally leaves (5)
#cryptic #crossword
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Wet and cold, perhaps, one covers up at home (6)
Strong birds? Turkeys and geese to name two (5)
Security protecting Harris finally leaves (5)
#cryptic #crossword
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Delighted to be featured in the first edition!
🚨 UK PRE-ORDERS ARE OPEN 🚨
Roll up roll up - assure yourself a copy of Unch now!
Visit: unchcrosswords.com#shop
Roll up roll up - assure yourself a copy of Unch now!
Visit: unchcrosswords.com#shop
a man in a suit and tie is saying oh my god okay it 's happening .
Alt: Michael Scott (US Office) saying oh my god okay it's happening .
media.tenor.com
September 9, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Delighted to be featured in the first edition!
Reposted by Coot
Chuffed and amazed to be back in the Indy as Magus @ puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent *hides behind sofa*
Hide from Jersey Boy’s Brothers? (8)
Nick Knowles’s ultimate essential? (5)
Ben & Jerry’s ice cream opened by bird (9)
Hide from Jersey Boy’s Brothers? (8)
Nick Knowles’s ultimate essential? (5)
Ben & Jerry’s ice cream opened by bird (9)
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
September 9, 2025 at 6:47 AM
Chuffed and amazed to be back in the Indy as Magus @ puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent *hides behind sofa*
Hide from Jersey Boy’s Brothers? (8)
Nick Knowles’s ultimate essential? (5)
Ben & Jerry’s ice cream opened by bird (9)
Hide from Jersey Boy’s Brothers? (8)
Nick Knowles’s ultimate essential? (5)
Ben & Jerry’s ice cream opened by bird (9)
Reposted by Coot
Don't forget to vote
🏆 Clue contest No 33 🏆
Submit your best cryptic clue for PENCIL CASE using the link below.
www.mycrossword.co.uk/contests/33
Submit your best cryptic clue for PENCIL CASE using the link below.
www.mycrossword.co.uk/contests/33
Clue contest No 33 · MyCrossword
Clue contest No 33 hosted by widdersbel is now OPEN on MyCrossword. Submit your best cryptic clue for PENCIL CASE. Published Mon 1 Sep 2025. Free to enter online.
www.mycrossword.co.uk
September 7, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Don't forget to vote
Reposted by Coot
Take a chance and have a go at my latest cryptic crossword for the Independent…
Sample clue:
Green plastic Cava bottles one’s opening before party (7)
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Sample clue:
Green plastic Cava bottles one’s opening before party (7)
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
September 4, 2025 at 6:03 AM
Take a chance and have a go at my latest cryptic crossword for the Independent…
Sample clue:
Green plastic Cava bottles one’s opening before party (7)
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Sample clue:
Green plastic Cava bottles one’s opening before party (7)
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Reposted by Coot
🥁🥁🥁 Coming Soon — a brand new cryptic crossword magazine we’re calling Unch. Interested? Sign up for email updates at unchcrosswords.com to find out more. And we’d love it if you could repost this to your own followers 👍
Unch Crosswords
Unch Crossword Magazine
unchcrosswords.com
August 23, 2025 at 6:35 AM
🥁🥁🥁 Coming Soon — a brand new cryptic crossword magazine we’re calling Unch. Interested? Sign up for email updates at unchcrosswords.com to find out more. And we’d love it if you could repost this to your own followers 👍
August 20, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Anyone fall for the decoy mini-theme amongst the 3 quoted clues?
My gift to the theme-blind today in the Independent, featuring:
Give funny order to “be calm and get wine” (6)
Fruit that woman fed to hawks (8)
Number 1? He’s picked Pope! (8)
#cryptic #crossword
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Give funny order to “be calm and get wine” (6)
Fruit that woman fed to hawks (8)
Number 1? He’s picked Pope! (8)
#cryptic #crossword
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
August 16, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Anyone fall for the decoy mini-theme amongst the 3 quoted clues?
My gift to the theme-blind today in the Independent, featuring:
Give funny order to “be calm and get wine” (6)
Fruit that woman fed to hawks (8)
Number 1? He’s picked Pope! (8)
#cryptic #crossword
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Give funny order to “be calm and get wine” (6)
Fruit that woman fed to hawks (8)
Number 1? He’s picked Pope! (8)
#cryptic #crossword
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
August 16, 2025 at 6:40 AM
My gift to the theme-blind today in the Independent, featuring:
Give funny order to “be calm and get wine” (6)
Fruit that woman fed to hawks (8)
Number 1? He’s picked Pope! (8)
#cryptic #crossword
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Give funny order to “be calm and get wine” (6)
Fruit that woman fed to hawks (8)
Number 1? He’s picked Pope! (8)
#cryptic #crossword
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Reposted by Coot
I set today's Independent cryptic crossword, with clues like:
Show involving Post Office framing worker (5)
Solve for FREE here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Show involving Post Office framing worker (5)
Solve for FREE here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
August 14, 2025 at 6:38 AM
I set today's Independent cryptic crossword, with clues like:
Show involving Post Office framing worker (5)
Solve for FREE here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Show involving Post Office framing worker (5)
Solve for FREE here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Reposted by Coot
I set today’s crossword in the Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Hope you enjoy!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Hope you enjoy!
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
August 10, 2025 at 7:22 AM
I set today’s crossword in the Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Hope you enjoy!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Hope you enjoy!